Virtual Reality Rehabilitation for Stroke Patients in the Hospital and at Home.

Launched by NOVA SCOTIA HEALTH AUTHORITY · Mar 3, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at whether a low-cost virtual reality (VR) program can help people recovering from their first ischemic stroke improve movement in their arms. The study wants to find out if VR therapy is better than standard care for helping patients regain function and if it is an easy and enjoyable treatment option. It will include adults aged 18 and older who have experienced moderate to severe weakness in their upper limbs after a stroke.

Participants in the trial will take part in VR therapy sessions that use fun, game-like activities to encourage arm movement. They will also undergo assessments to track their motor skills and quality of life at different points during the study. To be eligible, patients must have had their stroke confirmed by medical imaging and show a certain level of arm weakness. They should be within a specific timeframe after their stroke and able to provide consent or have someone authorized to give consent for them. This research aims to see if VR can be a practical and effective way to help stroke patients, especially in areas where traditional rehabilitation resources are limited.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • clinical diagnosis of first-time ischemic stroke involving the middle cerebral artery, confirmed by CT or MRI;
• • score between 6 and 40 on Fugl-Meyer Assessment's Upper Limb Extremity Subscore (FM - UE), indicating moderate to severe motor deficit;
• • ability and willingness to provide consent (score of 18 or more on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment) or assent (for scores lower than 18 on MoCA with consent provided by an authorized third party with the necessary legal authority to consent on behalf of patient)
• • INPATIENT ARM: less than 5 weeks since stroke onset with admission to Valley Regional Hospital in Kentville, NS, Canada
• • OUTPATIENT ARM: less than 3 months since stroke onset with discharge to home setting located within 1 hour drive of Valley Regional Hospital in Kentville, NS, Canada
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • brainstem, cerebellar or bilateral stroke lesion
• • a secondary neurological condition (e.g., Parkinson's disease)
• • musculoskeletal injuries interfering with task performance
• • an uncorrected visual deficit due to stroke or other etiologies
• • apraxia as identified by clinical assessment